Fassler: New Merc is late but fast

AMG Mercedes DTM star Marcel Fassler has said the 2003 CLK is behind schedule for a reason during his appearance at the AUTOSPORT International Show

Jan 9, 2003, 3:33 PM

The Swiss driver, who won the most chaotic race of the season last year at the A1-Ring in Austria, says the new car might hit the track later than usual, but AMG has put more effort than ever into getting the car right. In contrast, Opel's 2003-spec DTM Astra hit the track before Christmas.

"Our car is not finished at the moment because we want to do everything we can," he said. "That is the reason the car is so late. It will be ready at the end of January, and we will test it for the first time at Barcelona. I am sure it will be very fast."

Fassler added that he is aiming to add more consistency to his results this year, after a patchy start to 2002 cost him points and restricted him to fourth in the overall standings.

"I hope I can win more races this year and be more consistent," he said. "But it's difficult to win in the DTM because the quality of the drivers is so high."